The Scripture, The Book of the Lord and the Diligent Study and Search thereof Recommended
“Seek ye out of the book of the Lord,
and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my
mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Isaiah
34:16
Having considered the divine authority of the holy
scriptures, and their scope, I come now to recommend unto you the
diligent study and search of these sacred oracles, from the text now
read.
In the former part of this chapter, there are most
terrible threatenings denounced against the enemies of God and his
church, which receive not their full accomplishment till the last day,
as appears from verses 4 and 10. In the text there is the confirmation
of the whole. And therein we have,
1. An intimation that all shall be accomplished
according to the word. Wherein two things are to be observed.
(1.) The study of the word required. Where we may
notice, [1.] The honorable epithet given to it, The book of the Lord.
Thus the holy scripture is called, as being of divine original and
authority, God himself being the author of it. It is true, that in
Isaiah’s days, even the canon of the Old Testament was not completed,
some of the historical books, and of the prophetical too, not being then
written. But the body of the doctrine of the word was comprised in the
law, or five books of Moses; and what was afterwards written, was but a
building on that foundation, by enlargement, explication, and
application; And this prophecy looking as far as the end of the world,
the Spirit of God might here have an eye to the complete canon of the
Old and New Testament. [2.] The study of it recommended, Seek: out of
it. The word signifies to inquire, search, seek out; and imports
diligence and earnestness in consulting a thing to learn from it. And so
it is emphatically pointed, to denote a vehemency and intenseness of
spirit in the study. It does in a great measure answer that word,
—Searched the scriptures (Acts 17:11). We are not only to seek from it,
but out of it, or, as the Hebrew signifies, from in it, or, as in the
Greek, to it, and seek from it. [3.] The way to study, read it. Do not
satisfy yourselves to hear if, but read it with your own eyes. For the
eye makes ordinarily deeper impression than the ear.
(2.) The accomplishment in the
most minute circumstance. [1.] Whereas the Lord had named a great many
horrible creatures that should possess the dwellings of his enemies,
none of them shall fail, they
shall all be there.[2.] Whereas he had said they should have their
mates, that so their kinds might be continued there, none of them shall
want their mate for that
purpose.
2. The confirmation or reason of this accomplishment
according to the word. And it hath two parts, namely, that he has spoken
the one, and will effectuate the other.
(1.) Himself has spoken the word: My mouth it hath,
commanded. His truth is engaged for its accomplishment. He has
commanded, not these creatures, but the word or book, as The word he
commanded (Ps. 105:8): and God is said to command his word, for that he
gives it as a lawgiver, of supreme authority. And so this answers to the
first part of the intimation.
(2.) He will effectuate the thing in accomplishment
of the word: His spirit will gather these creatures. So his power is
engaged to make it forthcoming. There seems to be here a remarkable
change of the persons. But I am mistaken if the mouth of the Lord be not
one of the names of Christ in the scripture: Thus, “Thou shalt be called
by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name,” (Isa. 62:2).
“They speak—not out of the mouth of the Lord,” (Jer. 23:16). Compare,
“No man hath seen God at any time: the only begotten Son, which is in
the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him,” (John 1:18). “God who at
sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers
by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,”
(Heb. 1:1,2). And so the words run very plainly and exactly according to
the original, For my mouth he hath commanded, and his Spirit it hath
gathered them.
Two doctrines naturally arise from the words, viz.
Doctrine II. “The scripture is a book to be read,
carefully, and diligently searched, consulted, and sought into.”
As it is the last of these doctrines I mainly intend
to discourse upon, I shall be very brief in the illustration of the
first: and though some things to be spoken upon it interfere with what
has been already delivered, I hope it will tend to your establishment in
the truth, and the more endear the holy scripture to you.
All I intend upon this head is to show,
I.
In what respects
the holy scripture is the book of the Lord.
II.
That it is so.
III.
Make a short
improvement.
I. My first province is to show in what respects the
holy scripture is the book of the Lord.
1. The Lord is the subject-matter of that book, as
the book of the wars of the Lord. It is the commendation of a book, that
it treats of a noble subject; and this book treats of God, the great
scope of it being to show what God is, and what his will is. Hence we
are commanded to “hold fast the form of sound words,” (2 Tim. 1:13). If
we would know God, and our duty to him, we must turn to this book and
learn it.
2. The Lord is the author of
it, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,” (2 Tim. 3:16). And
who was fit to make a book on that noble subject but himself? (John 1:18
forecited). It is the product of his own unerring Spirit, and so his own
book in a most proper sense. It is for this reason that it is called “the
book of the Lord.” It is true, several hands were employed in the
writing of it; but yet all and every part of it was from the Lord.
(1.) The motion to write was from the Lord, by a
particular impulse on the spirits of the holy penmen, which influenced
them to the work, and carried them on it; “Holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost,” (2 Pet. 1:21.) Sometimes they had
particular express calls, but they had always this motion powerfully
determining and inclining them to the work.
(2.) The matter of their writing was from him. He
laid it to their hands; “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,”
(2 Tim. 3:16). Some things were matters of pure revelation, that could
not be known otherwise; such as things past, whereof there was no manner
of record, things to come, things without the reach of men’s knowledge,
as the thoughts of others. These things they had by immediate
suggestion. Some things they might have by other records, their own
judgment, or memory. In these the Spirit of the Lord infallibly guided
them what to chose and refuse, strengthened their judgment and memories,
so that they could not mistake; “The Spirit of truth—will guide you into
all truth” (John 16:13).
(3) The very words they wrote were from him. Since
the apostles spoke the very words of the Holy Ghost, much more did they
write them, (1 Cor. 2:13). And therefore God is said to speak by and in
the holy penmen, (2 Sam. 23:2; Luke 1:70; Acts 1:16). He did not give
them the matter to put in their own words, but put the words in their
hearts too, but in a manner suited to their native style. And truly it
is hard to conceive how the inspiration of the holy scriptures could
reach the end without it, seeing so much depends on the suitable
expressing of matter.
II. I proceed to show, that the holy scripture is the
book of the Lord. This is evident from many things, of which I shall
only observe a few.
1. This book discovers what no mortal could ever have
done, and nowise could be had but by divine revelation, as the history
of the creation, what was done before man was on the earth, the sublime
mysteries of the Trinity of the incarnation of the Son of God, and the
eternal counsels of God concerning man’s salvation.
2. The perfect holiness of the doctrine. It commands
all holiness, forbids all impurity in heart and life, under the pain of
damnation: which shows it could neither be the work of men, being so far
above their reach, and cross to their corrupt nature; nor of evil
angels, being so opposite to Satan’s kingdom; nor of good ones, who
could never have put a cheat on the world, making their own words pass
for God’s.
3. The efficacy of the doctrine in its searching and
convincing the conscience, (Heb. 4:12); converting souls from their most
beloved lusts, even when nothing can be expected from the world for such
a change, (Ps. 19:7); rejoicing the heart under the deepest distresses,
(v. 8). This is not from any virtue in the letters or syllables, but
from the Spirit, whose instrument it is.
4. The miracles wherewith it has been confirmed.
These were wrought to confirm the doctrine, (Matt. 9:6). These are God’s
seal, which he will never put to a lie.
5. Lastly, There is an inward sensation of this in
the spirits of those that have their senses exercised. For it is not to
be doubted, but as the works of God bear the marks of a divine hand, so
his word also does. And while there are such manifest differences
betwixt one voice and another of men, how can it be thought, but the
voice of God has a peculiar signature on it? If that be not discerned by
others, it is by his own people that know his voice.
I shall now make a short improvement of this point.
Use 1. For information. It informs us, that,
1. The scripture is the best of
books. They who heard Christ, said, “Never
man spake like this man:” and they that see the true glory of the
scriptures must own, never did any write like these writings. There we
have the true picture of the great Author, in spotless holiness; there
the revelation of his mind with respect to our salvation. Whatever other
books there be in the world relating to our salvation; they are but dim
tapers lighted at this burning lamp.
2. They are enemies to God that are enemies to the
scriptures, whether in their principles, as Papists and others, or in
their practices. For if men loved God, they would love his word, (Ps.
119:97). And men, by their relish of the word, may know what case their
souls are in. For according as they relish the scriptures, so is it with
their souls. If they have lost the gust of them, it is evident that
either they have no grace, or that it is not in exercise.
3. Woe to those whom the Bible condemns; and these
are all wicked men and hypocrites, whatever their stations or
professions be. But happy they whom it approves and justifies; and these
are all the sincere seekers of God. Seek to be of the number of the
latter, and then none of the woes denounced in God’s word shall fall
upon you.
Use II. Of exhortation.
1. Let us highly prize this book for the sake of the
author. The Ephesians thought that they had good ground to be zealous
for the image of Diana, because they fancied it fell down from Jupiter,
(Acts 19:35). Your Bible is a book really come from God; let us be
ashamed we do not prize it more, by using it diligently to the ends for
which if was given the church.
2. Let us believe it in all the parts thereof; the
commands, that we may study to conform ourselves to them; the promises,
that we may thereby be encouraged to a holy life; and the threatenings,
that we may thereby be deterred from sin. Alas! though we own it to be
the word of God, that we are no more moved with it than if it were the
word of man, and such a man as we give little credit to. For compare the
lives of the most part with it they say, it is but idle tales.
3. Let us submit our souls to it, as the oracles of
the living God. He is the great Lawgiver, and in that book he speaks:
let us own his authority in his word, and submit to it as the rule of
our faith and life, without disputing or opposing.
4. Lastly, Let us study to be well acquainted with
it, and make it our business to search the scriptures. This brings me to
the main thing I intend.
Doctrine II. “The scripture is a book to be read,
carefully and diligently searched, consulted, and sought into.”
If ye ask, by whom this is to be done? it is by all
into whose hands, by the mercy of God, it comes. Some never had it, and
so they will not be condemned for slighting it, (Rom. 2:12). Magistrates
are called to look into it, and be much conversant in it; “This book of
the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate
therein day and night, that thou mayst observe to do according to all
that is written therein,” (Josh. 1:8). “And it shall be, when he sitteth
upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this
law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. And
it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his
life; that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words
of this law, and these statutes, to do them,” (Deut. 17:18, 19).
Ministers are in a special manner called to the study of it; “Give
attendance to reading,” (1 Tim. 4:13). “All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). But
not they only are so commanded, but all others within the church,
“Search the scriptures.,” (John 5:39). “These words which I command thee
this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently
unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine
house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up,” (Deut. 6:6,7 ).
In discoursing further from this point, I shall,
I. Explain this seeking into the book of the Lord.
II. Give the reasons of the doctrine.
III. Make application.
I. I am to explain this seeking into the book of the
Lord. And here I will show,
1. What is presupposed in this seeking.
2. What is the import of a studious inquiry into the
scriptures.
First, I am to show what is presupposed in this
seeking into the book of the Lord. It presupposes,
1. That man has lost his way, and needs direction to
find it; “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant,” (Ps.
119:176). Miserable man is bemisted in a vain world, which is a dark
place, and has as much need of the scriptures to direct him, as one has
of a light in darkness, (2 Pet. 1:19). What a miserable case is that
part of the world in that want the Bible? They are vain in their
imaginations, and grope in the dark, but cannot find the way of
salvation. In no better case are those to whom it has not come in power.
2. That man is in hazard of being led farther and
farther wrong. This made the spouse say, “Tell me, O thou whom my soul
loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon:
for Why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy
companions?” (Songs 1:7). There is a subtle devil, a wicked world,
corrupt lusts within one’s own breast, to lead him out of the right way,
that we had need to give over, and take this guide. There are many false
lights in the world, which, if followed, will lead the traveler into a
mire, and leave him there.
3. That men are slow of heart to understand the mind
of God in His word. It will cost searching diligently ere we can take it
up, (John 5:39). Our eyes are dim to the things of God, our
apprehensions dull, and our judgment is weak. And therefore, because the
iron is blunt, we must put too the more strength. We lost the sharpness
of our sight in spiritual things in Adam; and our corrupt wills and
carnal affections, that savor not the things of God, do more blind our
judgments: and therefore it is a labor to us to find out what is
necessary for our salvation.
4. That the book of the Lord has its difficulties
which are not to be easily solved. Therefore the Psalmist prays, “Open
thou mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law,” (Ps.
119:18). Philip asked the eunuch, “Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me?” There are
depths there wherein an elephant may swim, and will exercise the largest
capacities, with all the advantages they may be possessed of. God in his
holy providence has so ordered it, to stain the pride of all glory; to
make his word the liker himself, whom none can search out to perfection,
and to sharpen the diligence of his people in their inquiries into it.
5. That we need highly to understand it, otherwise we
would not be bidden search into it. “Of the times and seasons (says the
apostle), ye have no need that I write unto you;” and therefore he wrote
not of them. There is a treasure in this field; we are called to dig for
it; for though it be hid, yet we must have it, or we will pine away in
our spiritual poverty.
6. Lastly, That we may gain from it by diligent
inquiry. The holy humble heart will not be always sent empty away from
these wells of salvation, when it plies itself to draw. There are
shallow places in these waters of the sanctuary, where lambs may wade.
Secondly, I proceed to show what is the import of a
studious inquiry into the scriptures. This holds out the matter and
manner of the duty.
First, As for the matter of the duty; it lies in
three things.
1. We should be capable to read the scriptures
distinctly. Alas! How shall they study the book of God that cannot so
much as read it? (Isa. 29:12). It is sad to think that there are among
Christians who call God their Father, and cannot read his testament; who
say they would be at heaven, and yet cannot consult the directions for
the way. And if their parents have neglected to teach them, they have
not the grace to make up that by their own industry. Their case is
little better that cannot read it distinctly; for without that there can
be little benefit got by it, (Neh. 8:8).
2. We should acquaint ourselves with the letter of
the scriptures, the histories, prophecies, precepts, &c. This Timothy is
commended for, “that from a child he had known the holy scriptures,” (2
Tim. 3:15). That is the sacred field where the treasure lies; the
blessed body, where the soul of the scripture lodgeth; the words wherein
the mind of God towards sinners is held forth, (Matt. 13:52).
3. We ought to labor to understand the mind of God in
them, and that savingly and spiritually. Wisdom lies in the book of the
Lord; and see what course we should take to get at it; “If thou seekest
her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures: then shalt
thou understand the fear of the Lord; and find the knowledge of God,”
(Prov, 2:4, 5). To read the scriptures just for reading’s sake, without
laboring to understand what ye read, is very unprofitable work. Nay we
should search narrowly till we find the sense and meaning of what we
read, as one that digs deep, breaks the clods of earth, till he finds
the golden ore.
Secondly, As to the manner of the duty; it imports,
1. A high esteem of the treasure to be found in the
book of the Lord, (Matt. 13:44). People will not be at the pains to seek
into what they do not value. If men did not prize gold, they would not
rip up the bowels of the earth for it. It is the undervaluing of the
scriptures that makes people so little to study and seek into them.
2. A design of spiritual profit by the scripture. No
wise man will be at pains but to gain thereby. And he that would aright
study the holy scriptures, must design his soul’s advantage thereby. We
should come to the reading of the book of the Lord, as to a soul-feast,
(Ps. 119:131); its to the gathering of spoil after battle, (Ps.
119:162). Some read the scriptures to furnish their heads with notions
of the things of religion, and their tongues with talk about them; but
read ye for holiness to your hearts, and to rule your walk thereby. Some
read them to support their errors, and some for matter of jest and
drollery; which are horrible work. But “search ye the scriptures: for in
them ye will find eternal life; and they are they that testify of
Christ,” (John 5:39).
3. A serious application of the
heart to the work; for it will not be a by-hand work, (Ps. 1:2). In the
scriptures God speaks to us, as in prayer we speak to God; and when God
speaks, we should listen attentively. The angels pry into
scripture-mysteries, (1 Pet. 1:12). So should we into the scriptures, (
4. Painfulness in the study. Silver and gold are not
to be gathered up by every lazy passenger from the surface of the earth,
as stones are, but must with labour be digged out of the bowels of it,
(Prov. 2:4; forecited). This is the gate of heaven; and there must be
striving to get in at it. It is not easy to overcome a dark, carnal,
hard heart, which unfits us for the study of the scriptures. And indeed
many get but little advantage by their reading it; for dig they cannot,
and beg they will not; and therefore they go empty from these wells of
salvation.
5. Diligence and constancy, (1 Pet. 1:10). It is the
hand of the diligent that maketh rich in all cases, while drousiness
cloaths a man with rags. See the duty of a Christian with respect to the
word; “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he
meditate day and night,” (Ps. 1:2). He suffers not his Bible to gather
dust.
Lastly, A thorough search. We should go through every
leaf of the book of the Lord, and endeavor to acquire the knowledge of
the whole scriptures. For “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16). Some never read all the
Bible in their days, but pick out portions here and there only.
Searchers do not so, but look into every corner, And we should labor to
know more and more of what we have some insight into: for this Bible
says one, contains a puncheon that hitherto has not been pierced.
II. The next general head is, to give the reasons of
the point, that the book of the Lord should be read, carefully and
diligently searched, consulted, and sought into.
1. Because the way of salvation is to be found only
therein, (John 5:39). This is the star risen in a dark world, to guide
us where Christ is. All the researches of the wise men of the world, all
the inventions of men, can never guide us to Immanuel’s land; “No man
has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom
of the Father, he hath declared him,” (John 1:18). Here, and here only,
the counsels of God touching man’s salvation are discovered. And so, as
salvation is the most necessary thing, the study of the scriptures is
the most necessary exercise. To slight it, is to judge ourselves
unworthy of eternal life.
2. It is the only rule of our faith and lives; “To
the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them,” (Isa. 8:20). “Ye are built
upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner-stone,” (Eph. 2:20). “I testify unto every man
that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall
add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are
written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of
the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book
of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book,” (Rev. 22:18,19). The Bible is the pattern shown on the
mount, to which our faith and lives must be conformed, if we would
please God. The Lord says to us, “Thou shalt not go aside from any of
the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand or to the
left,” (Deut. 28:14). None can walk regularly unless they observe the
rule; but how can one observe it unless he know it? (Matt. 22: 29). God
has given each of us our post in the world: the Bible is the book of our
instructions; and shall we not study it:! The lawyer studies his
law-books, the physician his medical books; and shall not a Christian
study the book of the Lord?
3. The Lord himself dictated it, and gave it us for
that very end, (2 Tim. 3:16,17). “Whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning,” (Rom. 15:4). And has the
Spirit of the Lord written it, and will not we read it? Has he given it
us to be studied by us, and will we slight it? This must be horrid
contempt of God, and ingratitude to him with a witness. Whose image and
superscription is this on the scriptures? Is it not the Lord’s? Then
take it up and read.
4. We must be judged by the scriptures at the great
day, (John 12:48). That is one of the books opened, (Rev. 20:12). This
is the book of the Lord’s laws and ordinances, by which he will proceed
in absolving or condemning us. I own God will go another way to work
with those who never had the Bible, (Rom. 2:12). But know thou, that
seeing it is in the country where thou livest, though thou never readest
a letter of it, thou must be judged by it. Is there not good reason then
for reading the scriptures?
III. I proceed now to the practical improvement of
this important subject.
Use I. Of information. It lets us see,
1. The necessity and advantage of translations of the
scriptures into the vulgar languages, as I have formerly shown.
2. The people not only may without any license from
the church guides, but must read the scriptures, for God has commanded
it. The Papists here take away the key of knowledge; for their kingdom
riseth and standeth by darkness, and ignorance of the scriptures.
3. The scriptures, whatever difficulties be in them,
yet are so plain in things necessary to salvation, that even the
unlearned may reap advantage by reading them.
Use II. Of exhortation. I exhort one and all of you
to the study of the holy scriptures, to seek out of the book of the
Lord, and read. I will lay this before you in several branches, before I
come to the motives.
1. Let such as cannot read, learn to read. Ye that
have children, as ye tender their immortal souls, teach them to read the
Bible. Remember therefore the vows taken upon you at their baptism, and
the duty laid upon you by the Lord himself; “Fathers, bring up your
children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” (Eph. 6:4). Timothy
from a child knew the holy scriptures, (2 Tim. 3:15). Ye who got no
learning when ye were young, labor to get it now. Alas! some parents, or
others that have had some when young with them, have been cruel to their
souls, as the ostrich to her young. They have learned them to work, but
have been at no pains to teach them to read; so have sent them out into
the world a prey to the devourer’s teeth, without the ordinary means of
the knowledge of God. Thus they are destroyed with gross ignorance.
But will ye pity your own souls, though others did
not that brought you up? And do not enter yourselves heirs to their sin,
by being as negligent of yourselves as they were. Though perhaps they
left you nothing to live upon, yet for a livelihood ye have done
something for your bodies. And will you do nothing for your souls?
Think not it will excuse thee at the hand of God,
that thou art a servant; for thy soul is in as great danger as thy
master’s, and ignorance of religion will destroy it, (Isa. 27:11). There
are few but know how to improve the scarcity of servants to the raising
of the fee; but will you improve it by getting it in your condition to
learn to read, and seek out such families where you may have that
advantage, for some such there are, like Abraham’s, (Gen. 18:10). Nay
rather than not do it, give over service for a time, and learn.
Neither will it excuse you that now you have a
family; for you have an immortal soul still, which gross ignorance of
the mind of God in the scriptures will ruin eternally, (2 Thess. 1:8).
And the more need you have to read the scriptures, that you have a
family, that you may know the Lord’s mind yourself, and teach it [to]
your family. Such an excuse will no more screen you from everlasting
destruction, than covering yourself with leaves will save you from the
flames of a devouring fire.
Say not you are too old now to learn. It is never out
of time to learn to do well for your eternal salvation. If your eyes can
serve you to learn, you ought to do it, whatever your age be. But if
your sight be so far gone, that you cannot though you were ever so
willing; then tremble at the thoughts of the awful judgment of God, that
has taken away sight from you, that when you had it would not use it for
his glory, and the good of your own soul; and humble thyself, and apply
to the blood of Christ, for this thy neglect, lest it prove ruining to
thee forever. And cause others [to] read to you, and beg the teaching of
the Spirit, if so be such an old careless slighter of salvation may find
mercy.
2. Let such as can read procure Bibles. I dare say
one that has a love to the Bible (and that all who love the Lord have)
will make many shifts ere they want one. But they must be lawful shifts:
for stealing of Bibles, or keeping them up from the owners, is like a
thief stealing a rope to hang himself in. But spare it off your bellies
or your backs, and procure one rather than want.
3. Let such as have Bibles read them frequently, and
acquaint themselves with the book of the Lord. Read them in your
families morning and evening; and read them in secret by yourselves; it
should be a piece of your duties in secret. Make the Bible your
companion abroad and at home, in the house and in the field. It is
lamentable to think how unacquainted with the Bible many are, and how
little heart they have to it. Ballads and song-books get the place of
the Bible with many; and many have no use for it but once in the week,
on the sabbath-day, as if it were more for a show with them than the
necessity of their souls.
4.Lastly, Not only read it, but
search into it, and study it, to know the mind of God therein, and that
ye may do it. Be not superficial in your reading of the scriptures, but
do it with application, painfulness, and diligence; using all means to
read it with understanding; breaking through the surface that ye may
come at the hid treasure therein.
I shall now give some motives to enforce this
important duty of reading the scriptures.
Motive 1: God requires it of us, he commands us to do
it, John 5:39. “Search the scriptures The Jews had once the scriptures
committed to them; but did God design they should only have them in the
temple? nay, in their houses also: Only laid up in the ark? nay, he
designed another chest for them, even their hearts, Deut. 6:6, 7.
formerly cited. Let the authority of God sway you, then, and as you have
any regard to it, study the scriptures.
Motive 2: Nay, the very being
of the Bible among us is enough to move us to study it, seeing it is
that by which we must stand or fall for ever. The proclaiming of the law
publicly is sufficient to oblige the subjects; and they cannot plead
ignorance, though they get not every one a copy of it.
Ignonrntia juris excusat neminem;
for every one ought to know the rule of his duty, and sinners will be
condemned by it, if they conform not to it, whether they knew it or not,
(John 3:19).
Motive 3: It is an exercise very pleasing to God, so
that it be done in a right manner, namely, in faith. For thereby God
speaks to us, and we hear and receive his words at his mouth; and
obedient ears are his delight.
1. The Spirit of God commends it. It was the
commendation of the Bereans, (Acts 17:11); of Apollos, (Acts 18:24); of
Timothy, (2 Tim. 3:15). And why does the Spirit of God commend others
for this, but to recommend the scriptures to us?
2. There is a particular blessing annexed to this
exercise; “Blessed is he that readeth,” (Rev. 1:3). And the children of
God in all ages have sucked the sap of it, while they have had sweet
fellowship with God in his word, and the influences of the Spirit, to
the quickening, enlightening, fructifying and comforting their souls.
Motive 4: Consider what a great privilege it is, that
we have the scriptures to read and study, at this day. If Christ had not
died for our salvation, the world had never been blessed with this
glorious light, but had been in darkness here, as a pledge of eternal
darkness. Let us compare our case with that of others, and see our
privilege.
1. Look back to the case of the church in its first
age before the flood, or the time of Moses, while they had not the
written word. The will of God was revealed to some of them by visions,
voices, dreams, &c.; but we may say; “We have a more sure word of
prophecy,” (as 2 Pet. 1: 19). But that was not the lot of all, but of a
few among them; the rest behooved to learn by tradition. Now everyone
has alike access to the word of divine revelation.
2. Look to the case of the church under the Old
Testament. In David’s time there was little more than the five books of
Moses written; yet how does that holy soul swell in commendation of his
little Bible, when little more than the ground-work of this glorious
structure was laid! (Ps. 119). Take that church at her best in this
respect, when the canon of the Old Testament was completed, they saw not
the light of the New. Now the whole canon of the scripture is in our
hands, this glorious image of God has got the finishing stroke; no more
is to be added thereto for ever. The New Testament casts a light upon
the types, shadows, and dark prophecies of the Old; And shall we not be
sensible of our mercy?
3. But look abroad into the
Pagan world at this day, in comparison of which all that know any part
of the scriptures are but few, and the Bible is not heard of among them.
That precious treasure is not opened to them to this day, and they can
know no more of God but what they can learn from the dark glimmerings of
nature’s light. O may we not in some sort say, “He sheweth his word unto
Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto
4. Look back but a few years hence, when no Bibles
were but such as were manuscript, namely, before the art of printing was
found out, which was but a little before the reformation from Popery.
How rare behooved they then to be! and how dear, ye may easily perceive.
But now how common and easy are they to be had?
5. Look to the case of those that lived, or yet live,
under Popish tyranny, where it is a crime to have or to read the Bible
without a special license. What a struggle had our reformers in this
church, ere they could get allowance by the laws of the land to read the
Bible in English? And how is the Bible kept out of the people’s hands to
this day in Popish countries? Whereas now ye are pressed to read and
study it, a New Testament was very precious in those days of Popish
persecution, when one gave a cart-load of hay for a leaf of the Bible.
But, alas! as one says of the French Protestants, When they burned us
for reading the scriptures, we burned in zeal to be reading them; now
with our liberty is bred also negligence and disesteem of God’s word.
6. Lastly, Consider the many helps there are to
understand the scriptures beyond what were formerly. Many have run to
and fro, and knowledge that way has been increased, both by preaching
and writing. And that useful exercise of lecturing, which our church has
commanded to be of a large portion of scripture, is no small help. What
will we be able to answer to the Lord, if this great privilege be
slighted?
Motive 5: Consider it has been the way of the people
of God, to be much addicted to and conversant in the scripture. So true
is it that wisdom is justified of her children. O take heed ye go forth
by the footsteps of the flock, and ye will not find them in the way of
slighting, but prizing the word of God. Consider,
1. Ye shall find the saints highly prizing the word,
(Ps. 19 & 119) what large commendations of the word are there! How sweet
was it to Jeremiah! “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy
word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart,” (Jer. 15:16).
Peter, who heard the voice on the mount, yet prefers the scriptures to
voices from heaven, (2 Pet. 1:19). Paul speaks highly of it, “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16). The martyrs highly prized it, and
ventured their lives for it. One cast away at sea, and swimming for his
life on a mast, having five pounds, which was all his stock, in the one
hand, and a Bible in the other, and being obliged to let go one of them,
kept the Bible, and let the five pounds go.
2. Ye shall find them much
addicted to the study of the word. It was David’s companion and bosom
oracle, (Ps. 119:97). Daniel at
3. Yea, the Spirit of God makes
it the character of a godly man; “His delight is in the law of the Lord;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night,” (Ps. 1:2).
O
how rational is that! The man that is born of God has a natural desire
after the word, as the child after the mother’s breast, (1 Pet. 2:2).
The new nature tends to communion with God; it is by the word the soul
has communion with him, for thereby God speaks to us. And therefore it
is a sad sign; that there are few true Christians, while there are so
few that diligently ply the word.
Motive 6: Consider the excellency of the scriptures.
There is a transcendent glory in them, which whoso discerns cannot miss
to hug and embrace them. To commend the Bible to you, I shall say these
eight things of it.
1. It is the best of books. They may know much, ye
think, that have many good books; but have ye the Bible, and ye have the
best book in the world. It is the book of the Lord, dictated by unerring
infinite wisdom. There is no dress here with the gold, no chaff with the
corn. Every word of God is pure. There is nothing for our salvation to
be had in other books, but what is learned from this. They are but the
rivulets that run from this fountain, and all shine with light borrowed
from thence. And it has a blessing annexed to it, a glory and majesty in
it, an efficacy with it, that no other book has the like. Therefore
Luther professed he would burn his books he had writ, rather than they
should divert people from reading the scriptures.
2. It is the greatest and most excellent of the works
of God to be seen in the world, (Ps. 138:2). If the world beautified
with sun, moon, and stars, be as a precious ring, the Bible is the
diamond in the ring. The sparkling stars, and that glorious globe of
light the sun, yet leave but a dark world, where there is no Bible. Were
it put to the choice of the saints, either to put the sun out of the
firmament, or the Bible out of the world, they would choose the former,
but never the latter; for that they cannot want till they go there where
they shall read all in the face of Jesus. For that must needs be most
excellent that has most of God in it.
3. It is the oracles of God, (Rom. 3:2). This was the
chief of the Jewish privileges, without which their temple, altar, &c.
would have been but dumb signs. The Pagan world did highly reverence and
prize the devil’s oracles: but we have God’s oracles, while we have the
scriptures that manifest to us the secrets of heaven, and if we discern
aright who speaks in them, we must say, The voice of God, and not of
man. Here is what you may consult safely in all your doubts and
darknesses; here is what will lead you into all truth.
4. It is the laws of heaven, (Ps. 19:7). The Lord and
King of heaven is our great Lawgiver, and the laws are written in this
book. It concerns us to study it. Hence we must prove our title to
heaven, the blessed inheritance, or we will never obtain it. From thence
the sentence of our justification must be drawn, else we are still in a
state of wrath. Here is the rule we must follow, that we may please God
here; and from this book shall the sentence of our absolution or
condemnation be drawn at the great day.
5. It is Christ’s testament and latter-will, (1 Cor.
11:25). Our Lord has died, and he has left us this Bible as his
testament; and that makes his children have such an affection to it.
Herein he has left them his legacy, not only moveables, but the eternal
inheritance; and his last will is now confirmed, that shall stand
forever without alteration. So all the believer’s hopes are in this
Bible, and this is the security he has for all the privileges he can lay
claim to. This is his charter for heaven, the disposition by which he
lays claim to the kingdom. And therefore, if ye have any interest in the
testament, ye must needs not be slighters of it.
6. It is the sceptre of his kingdom, (Ps. 110:2). And
it is a sceptre of righteousness. It is by this word he rules his
church, and guides all his children in their way to the land that is far
off. Wherever he hath a kingdom, he wields it; and the nations
subjecting themselves to him, receive it. And where he rules one’s
heart, it has place there too, (Col. 3:16). It is a golden sceptre of
peace, stretched forth to rebels to win them by offering them peace; to
fainting believers, to give them peace. And whosoever will not subject
themselves to it, shall be broken with his rod of iron.
7. It is the channel of influences, by which the
communications of grace are made, and the waters of the sanctuary flow
into the soul, (Isa. 49; ult). The apostle appeals for this to the
experience of the Galatians; “Received ye the Spirit by the law, or by
the hearing of faith?” (Gal. 3:2). Is the elect soul regenerated? the
word is the incorruptible seed, whereof the new creature is formed, 1
Pet. 1:23. Is faith begotten in the heart? it is by the word, “Faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Rom. 10:17). Is the
new creature to be nourished, strengthened, quickened, actuated, &c.?
Christ is the fountain, faith the mouth of the soul, the word the pipes
of conveyance, whereat faith must suck, as the child at the nipples.
8.Lastly, It is the price of blood even the blood of
Christ, (1 Cor. 11:25). Had not the personal Word become flesh, and
therein died to purchase redemption for us, we had never seen this
written word among us. For it is the book of the covenant which is
founded on the blood of the Mediator. It is the grant and conveyance of
the right to the favor of God, and all saving benefits to believers; for
which there could have been no place had not Christ died. And they that
slight it, will be found to tread under foot the blood of the covenant.
Motive 7: Consider the usefulness of the word. If we
consider the author, we may be sure of the usefulness of the work. The
apostle tells us; that it alone is sufficient to make the man of God
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
There is no case a soul can be in, but it is suitable to their case,
that desire to make use of it. To commend it to you from its usefulness,
I will lay these eight things.
1. It is a treasure to the poor, and such are we all
by nature, (Rev. 3:17; 2 Cor. 4:7). Therefore the Lord bids us search
the scriptures, in allusion to those that search in mines for silver and
gold. If the poor soul search here, receiving the word by faith, he is
made up. He shall find there the discharge of his debt, a new right and
title to the mortgaged inheritance. This word of the Lord is a treasure,
(1.) For worth. People make not treasures of any but
valuable things. There is nothing in the scriptures but what is highly
valuable. There are the eternal counsels of God touching our salvation;
life and immortality brought to light; there are the purest percepts,
the most awful threatenings, and the most precious promises, (2 Pet.
1:4), &c.;
(2.) For variety. In the scriptures shines the
manifold wisdom of God. They that nauseate this book of the Lord,
because they find not new things in it after some time perusing it,
discover their senses not to be exercised to discern. For should we come
to it ever so often, bringing fresh affections with us, we would find
fresh entertainment there; as is evident by the glorious refreshment
sometimes found in a word, that has been often gone over before without
anything remarkable. And truly the saints shall never exhaust it while
here; but as new discoveries are made in it in several ages, so it will
be to the end.
(3.) For abundance. There is in it not only for the
present, but for the time to come, (Isa. 42:23). There is abundance of
light, instruction, comfort, &c. and what is needful for the saints
travelling heavenward, (Ps. 119:182). And indeed it is the spoil to be
gathered by us. Our Lord having fought the battle against death and
devils, here the spoil lies to be gathered by us that remained at home
when the fight was.
(4.) Lastly, For closeness. This word contains the
wisdom of God in a mystery. It is a hid book to most of the world, and
indeed a sealed book to those that remain in their natural blindness.
Nor can we get into the treasure without the illumination of the same
Spirit which dictated it, (1 Cor. 2:10). There is a path here which the
vulture’s eye hath not seen, which the carnal eye cannot take up, (v.
14). Therefore have we need to seek diligently, and pray; “Open thou
mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law,” (Ps. 119:28).
2. It is life to the dead: “The
words that I speak unto you (says Christ), they are spirit, and they are
life,” (John 6:63). We are naturally dead in sins; but the word is the
means of spiritual life. It is the ordinary means of conversion; “The
law of the Lord—converteth the soul,” (Ps. 19:7);
and
of regeneration “Being born again of incorruptible seed by the word of
God,” (1 Pet. 1:23). By it the soul is persuaded into the covenant, and
brought to embrace Jesus Christ. For thereby the Spirit is communicated
to the elect of God. Thus it is of use to bring sinners home to God,
from under the power of darkness to the kingdom of his dear Son.
3. It is light to the blind,
(Ps. 19:8). “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the
eyes.” It is a convincing light, to discover one’s state to him, and so
to rouse up the soul from its natural security. It pierces the heart as
an arrow, and makes the careless sinner stand and consider his way: for
it freely tells everyone his faults, (
4. It is awakening to those that are asleep, (Song of
Solomon 7:9). It is the voice of God which is full of majesty, to awaken
the sleepy Christian to the exercise of grace. For as it is the means of
begetting grace in the heart, so it is also the means of actuating and
quickening thereof; “Thy word hath quickened me,” (Ps. 119:90). Here the
Christian may hear the alarm sound to rise up and be doing. Here are the
precious promises as cords of love to draw, and the awful threatenings
to set idlers to work.
5. It is a sword to the
Christian soldier, “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”
(Eph. 6:17). Whoever
has a mind for heaven must fight his way to it: for none get the crown
but the conquerors, (Rev. 3:21). They must go through many temptations,
from the devil, the world, and the flesh; and the word is the sword for
resisting them. It is an offensive and defensive weapon. We see how our
Lord Jesus wielded it; “It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. —It is
written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God,” (Matt. 4:4,7).
And whatever be our temptations, if we be well versed in the word, we
may from thence bring answers to them all.
6. It is a counselor to those who are in straits,
doubts, and difficulties; “Thy testimonies are—my counselors,” (Ps.
119:24). Many a time the children of God, when tossed with doubts and
fears, have found a quiet harbor there; and have got their way cleared
to them there, when they knew not what to do. And no doubt, if we were
more exercised unto godliness, and looking to the Lord in our straits,
we would make more use of the Bible, as the oracles of Heaven.
7. It is a comforter to those
that are cast down; “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou
hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy
word hath quickened me,” (Ps. 119:49, 50).
The
way to heaven lies through many tribulations, and afflictions are the
trodden path to glory. But the Lord has left his people the Bible as a
cordial to support them under all their pressures from within and
without. And indeed the sap of the word, and the sweetness of the
promises, are never more lively relished, than when the people of God
are exercised under afflictions. Then does that heavenly fountain flow
most plentifully, when, created streams being dried up, the soul goes
for all to the Lord. To sum up all in one word,
8. Lastly, It is a cure for all diseases of the soul;
“My words are—health to all their flesh,” (Prov. 4:22). There is no
malady that a soul is under, but there is a suitable remedy for it in
the word, (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) frequently quoted above, being adapted by
infinite wisdom to the case of poor sinners. By it the simple may be
made wise, the weak strengthened, the staggering confirmed, the hard
heart melted, the shut heart opened, &c. it being the means the Spirit
makes use of for these and all other such purposes.
Motive 8: Consider the honorable epithets given to
the scriptures. Amongst which I name only three.
1. The scriptures of truth, (Dan. 10:21). Men may
wrest the scriptures to patronize their errors, but the whole word of
God is most pure truth. Here are no mistakes, no weaknesses, that adhere
to all human composures. Here we may receive all that is taught us
without hesitation. The hearers of men, or readers of their works, are
divided into four sorts: Some like sponges, that suck up all, both good
and bad: Some like sand glasses, who, what they receive at the one ear
let go at the other: Some like a strainer, that lets all the good pass
through, but keeps the dregs: Some like the sieve, that keeps the good
grain, and lets through what is not worth. These last are only to be
approved; but in the reading of the word we must be as the first sort.
2. Holy scriptures, (2 Tim. 3:15). They are the word
of a holy God, from whom nothing can come but what is holy. It consists
of holy commands, holy promises, holy threatenings, instructions,
directions, &c. And holy hearts will love and reverence them for that
very reason.
3. Lastly, The book of the Lord. What can be said
more to commend it to us, if we have any regard to the Lord himself? If
I could tell you of a book that fell down from heaven, and were to be
had by any means, who would not be curious to have such a book and study
it? This is the book that contains the counsels of Heaven, and is given
from Heaven to the church, to let men see the way to it.
Motive last. Consider the danger of slighting the
word. It exposes to sin, and consequently to the greatest danger. How
can they keep the way of the word that do not study to acquaint
themselves with it? They must needs walk in darkness that do not make
use of the light; and this leads to everlasting darkness, (John 3:19).
If by this word we must be judged, how can they think to stand that
neglect it?
I conclude with some directions for the study of the
scriptures.
1. Keep an ordinary in reading them, that ye may be
acquainted with the whole; and make this reading a part of your secret
duties. Not that ye should bind up yourselves to an ordinary, so as
never to read by choice, but that ordinarily this tends most to
edification. Some places are more difficult, some may seem very bare for
an ordinary reader; but if you would look on it all as God’s word, not
to be slighted, and read it with faith and reverence, no doubt ye would
find advantage.
2. Set a special mark, one way or other, on those
passages you read, which you find most suitable to your case, condition,
or temptations; or such as ye have found to move your hearts more than
other passages. And it will be profitable often to review these.
3. Compare one scripture with another, the more
obscure with what which is more plain, (2 Pet. 1:20). This is an
excellent means to find out the sense of the scriptures; and to this
good use serve the marginal notes on Bibles. And keep Christ in your
eye, for to him the scriptures of the Old Testament (in its genealogies,
types, and sacrifices) look, as well as those of the New.
4. Read with a holy attention, arising from the
consideration of the majesty of God, and the reverence due to him. This
must be done with attention, (1.) To the words; (2.) To the sense: and
(3.) To the divine authority of the scripture, and the bond it lays on
the conscience for obedience, (1 Thess. 2:13).
5. Let your main end in reading
the scriptures be practice, and not bare knowledge, (
6. Beg of God and look to him for his Spirit. For it
is the Spirit that dictated it, that it must be savingly understood, (1
Cor. 2:11). And therefore before you read, it is highly reasonable you
beg a blessing on what you are to read.
7. Beware of a worldly fleshly mind: for fleshly sins
blind the mind from the things of God; and the worldly heart cannot
favor them. In an eclipse of the moon the earth comes between the sun
and the moon, and so keeps the light of the sun from it. So the world,
in the heart, coming betwixt you and the light of the word, keeps its
divine light from you.
8. Labor to be exercised unto godliness, and to
observe your ease. For an exercised frame helps mightily to understand
the scriptures. Such a Christian will find his case in the word, and the
word will give light to his case, and his case light into the word.
9. Lastly, Whatever you learn from the word, labor to
put it in practice. For to him that hath shall be given. No wonder they
get little insight into the Bible, who make no conscience of practicing
what they know. But while the stream runs into a holy life, the fountain
will be the more free.
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